Law enforcement authorities in Uttar Pradesh's Bahraich district have solved a broad daylight chain snatching incident within 72 hours, arresting two habitual criminals following an armed exchange near the Lucknow highway. The encounter took place during vehicle inspections under the Fakharpur police station limits near the Gandhi Ghat checkpost. One of the suspects sustained a bullet injury during the crossfire and was promptly admitted to a hospital for medical treatment, while his accomplice was overpowered after a brief chase.
Daylight Snatching on Lucknow Highway
The crime occurred on September 23 around 12 noon along the Lucknow highway passing through the Fakharpur police station jurisdiction. A woman travelling in an e-rickshaw was ambushed by two men riding a motorbike, who snatched her chain and sped away before anyone could react. Taking immediate cognizance of the brazen robbery on a bustling highway, the Superintendent of Police directed swift action and constituted three specialized police teams to identify the culprits and recover the looted valuables.
Traffic Interceptor Camera Provided Key Breakthrough
During the preliminary investigation, detectives discovered that a traffic interceptor mobile unit had been deployed just ahead of the crime scene to penalize speeding vehicles. Scrutiny of the automated speed cameras revealed clear visual recordings of the two suspects fleeing on their motorcycle shortly after the robbery. Using these digital images alongside electronic surveillance and tracking inputs, the police identified the culprits as Salman and his brother. Further inquiries revealed that although the duo originally hailed from the Kotwali Dehat area, they had rented a room in Kotwali City to use as an operational base for executing thefts and avoiding local scrutiny.
Encounter at Gandhi Ghat Checkpost
The breakthrough culminated when the Fakharpur Station House Officer received specific intelligence indicating the movement of the suspects around the Gandhi Ghat outpost area. Acting swiftly on this lead, the Special Operations Group joined forces with local police personnel to establish an intensive checking barrier. When officers signaled an approaching motorcycle carrying two individuals to halt, the suspects opened fire directly at the police contingent in an attempt to break the perimeter. Officers returned fire in self-defense, resulting in gunshot wounds to one suspect, while the second man tried to escape on foot but was chased down and taken into custody.
Seizure of Stolen Jewelry, Firearm and Motorbike
Following the encounter, police recovered the snatched gold chain, a country-made pistol with ammunition, a stolen motorbike used during the crime, cash, and mobile handsets from the arrested suspects. Background checks revealed that both individuals are seasoned criminals with an extensive record of around 8 to 9 previous cases involving robbery and theft lodged against them across Gonda and other nearby districts. Law enforcement officials confirmed that further legal proceedings against both accused are currently underway.
